Marseille vs Toulouse preview

Posted Saturday, October 18, 2014 by PA

Goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has ruled out making a winter exit from Marseille.

The France international has attracted attention from a number of clubs and reports in France have claimed he turned down a possible switch to Sunderland over the summer.

But, having played his part in Marseille soaring to the top of Ligue 1 this season, Mandanda has made it plain he sees himself staying at the Stade Velodrome.

The 29-year-old Marseille captain outlined his position in a press conference on Friday morning, called to preview Sunday's match against Toulouse.

He said, according to the website of sports newspaper L'Equipe: "I won't leave in January, I've got no desire to leave.

"Yes, anything can happen, you're never safe from a transfer, or to find yourself on the bench or injured. But in my head, I won't be leaving, no."

Regarding the possibility that he might have left in the summer window, Mandanda said: "I wouldn't have been hot on that idea if it had to happen."

Marseille have won seven of their opening nine league fixtures this season to surge clear, building a five-point lead at the top of the table after nine full rounds of games.

Former Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has scored nine goals already for Marcelo Bielsa's side, but the eighth-placed visitors this weekend have a notable goal threat still within their ranks in Wissam Ben Yedder.

He has struck six times this term and midfielder Adrien Regattin believes the 24-year-old's goal threat could be key to Toulouse earning reward from their weekend trip.

"Wissam is a super player who is making a fantastic start to the season," Regattin said.

"I hope he'll score one or two on Sunday to bring us the win. That would be the perfect day for him and for the team.

"Whether he scores or I do, it doesn't matter to me as long as we win."